Striking for Charity: A Hairy Bowling Adventure

On July 15th, 2023, my beard club, The Hoosier Beard Alliance, hosted an amazing tournament at Eastown Recreation in Jasper, Indiana. This charity event was the culmination of months of planning and dedication. We gathered a diverse array of teams and sponsors, all united in support of our chosen cause, Medical Mutts.

Medical Mutts is a non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in training service dogs for individuals living with medical challenges. They work with a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, seizures, and various psychiatric conditions, among others.

The organization stands out in its field for its commitment to using rescue dogs in their programs, simultaneously providing a second chance for these animals while offering a potentially life-saving service for humans in need. Each dog is thoroughly evaluated and then specifically trained based on the unique needs of the person they will be serving.

Moreover, Medical Mutts aims to raise public awareness about the importance and impact of service dogs. They are committed to a positive reinforcement training method, ensuring that each dog not only learns critical skills but also enjoys the training process.

Through their dedication and specialized expertise, Medical Mutts helps create mutually beneficial relationships between people and dogs, enhancing the quality of life for both.

So know you may be wondering what is a beard club? What does a beard club do?
Beard clubs are social groups and organizations that bring together individuals who share a common interest in beards and mustaches. These clubs can range from local or regional groups to national and even international organizations, and they offer members a community of fellow beard enthusiasts for camaraderie, support, and shared experiences.

The activities of beard clubs can vary widely. Many hold regular meetings or social events where members can interact, share grooming tips, and discuss trends in beard styles. Some clubs organize or participate in beard and mustache competitions, which can range from small local events to large-scale international contests.

Furthermore, many beard clubs also have a philanthropic focus. They often organize fundraisers or charity events, using their shared interest as a way to give back to their communities. These can include initiatives like "Beards for Beards," where members grow their beards to raise money for charities, or events like charity runs or competitions where proceeds go towards a good cause.

Overall, beard clubs offer a unique blend of social interaction, personal expression, and often, community service, all centered around the appreciation of beards and mustaches.

I am lucky to be apart of a fantastic group called The Hoosier Beard Alliance. We are always seeking ways to give back to our community. Our goal is to promote a family friendly environment for individuals with charitable hearts to come and grow together. We want to promote equality and respect for one another, knowing that every individual contributes to the group but our efforts are multiplied and create a greater impact when done together. We support Medical Mutts and help other charities and clubs whenever we can.

Now we know who is who and what they do…

The event kicked off with a copious amounts of sponsors. All with one goal in mind, to generate money and awareness for a good cause. Other beard clubs joined in as teams as well. It was sure good to see old faces and new faces come together for such an event.

While I am not an avid bowler, I did what Aaron does best. I brought my camera bag! Weapons of mass photography to document the event. Sometimes it just has to be done, to freeze the memories in time, to reflect on the fun everyone had. I shot long, I shot wide, fighting bad lighting and focus issues with the camera. Grabbing moments that would last forever

At the end of the day, to our surprise, we had generated $5,300 for Medical Mutts. People wore sore, children were tired. It had been quite an event. But everyone left smiling and knowing in their hearts that the comradery of our beards can be greater than the shock value most people perceive them to be.

More information about Medical Mutts can be found here at their website:
Medical Mutts
More information about the Hoosier Beard Alliance and the sponsors of this event can be found here:
The Hoosier Beard Alliance